Toyota GR86 BRZ | Long Term Updates and Problems 

very informative for owners, thanks for this series. if you aren't using 0w20, what are you using? 5w30 seems to be the recommendation I've seen online for track use. no mention of oil temps or coolers either, is stock cooling good enough for general HPDE 20-30 min sessions in your experience so far?

I love that Mark was brutally honest about the modifications.

The fact that the s2000 is still relevant today is crazy.

Those conversations between Marc and Jack are just making this channel. It’s amazing.

Really glad to see more on “issues” and “maintenance requirements”. I’m sure the manufacturers dislike it mentioned, and probably try to blacklist you from future reviews, but it sure helps to know what the real cost of ownership is.

Marks honesty is what makes me watch and follow this channel. Not gonna get that kind of direct positive or negative criticism anywhere else on RU-vid and reviews

I appreciate the street vs track nuances this channel gets into. Some channels live in a fantasy world of lap times, but that's not how 99.9% of these cars are actually owned and driven.

Glad to hear "absolute waste of money". For $29k, the car rips. Have fun with wheels/tires and that's it.

I have a 22 GR86 in Neptune blue and while I love the car, the dealership experience has been crap. I’ve had issues with the remote where the car does the recognize either of the two that came with the car. I was left stranded up a mountain road here in Colorado and when I took the car to the dealership all they did was say “it’s those crappy Subaru key fobs”. First of all when you partner with Subaru (Toyota owns 20 percent of Subaru) pointing fingers and passing the blame is past poor customer service. Then we get to the rtv issues and getting the oil pan dropped was almost impossible. Yes my oil pickup tube was completely blocked up by the way once they finally dropped the oil pan. Originally the dealership wanted $400 to drop oil pan and told me I was stupid for wanting to do so. That is until they saw the massive amounts of rtv in the oil pickup tube. The car itself is amazing but the dealership experience has destroyed any amount of joy I once had for the car.

If there was any doubt that SG is the most informative and well-planned review channel on the internet, Ohlins working with you to develop their new product should put that doubt to rest. Great work again

Enjoying this series very much! Still on my list of possibilities for next car. Thanks for your effort on this.

Thank you for asking questions we all have and giving thorough and honest answers. THANK YOU for your time and effort given.

Britt's driving is buttery smooth. And he actually understands the engineering concepts behind suspension setup parameters. That would make him a great driver to work with. Well done!

Great series to follow as a GR86 owner! Def loving mine so far. Thank you for thisss

Whew! It's a relief to know that gobs of RTV in the oil system _probably_ hasn't caused a total engine failure. Kinda like only having _a little bit_ of arsenic in your Wheaties every morning before you go for a run.

As a gt86 owner there are still many points I found useful for when I consider doing what mods on her as a daily. Great video.

So in a nutshell, this is a very good dual purpose car if what you want is a daily that you can also use on the track occasionaly, but dont go to the extend of modifying it. The main thing for me is that this car in stock form is still a good car to hone your driving skills on the track with the aim to move (hopefully :)) to a full fledge track toy and then unleash your inner gorilla. Really glad Mark & Jack have the honest approach to tell it how it is, not trying to deter anyone from the GR86 experience but telling it just as it is. Thanks guys!

Such a beautiful series, this gr86 is pampered! The stance is perfect!

It's videos like these that help people better guage their decision making. Exploring the true cons and cost of ownership are points that not a lot of reviews like to touch on

Thank you for the honest answer Mark

My 86 was hit and totaled earlier this year. This video really made me miss my car. Love u guys keep up the great videos

Really appreciate your detailed coverage of the car. I'm going on 9 months with my AUDM BRZ and as summer rolls in here in South Australia I definitely reckon I'll swap in some 5w30 - the heat gets real nasty here!

Thanks for sharing this journey.

I think it was informative to see this series delve into some of the major facets of "enthusiast" car ownership as an overview, particularly the pros/cons of modifying a new vehicle, driving engagement, and the essentials of day-to-day use. I think the sticking point, both for Mark and Jack, but also for a lot of the audience, is the difficulty of quantifying value for money when it comes to what is a very personal hobby. Though it was mentioned in the video, and has been prior, I feel like the statements of "You don't drive a spec-sheet/lap-time/HP rating" deserves highlighting, not only in regard to comparing different vehicles against one another, but also when it comes to modifications. As Jack's experience demonstrates, there can be trade-offs when it comes to going into a "build" with the intention of replacing factory components with "better" ones, because that improvement usually comes at the sacrifice of another aspect of its behaviour. The Street vs Track dichotomy is a fine line, and while everyone drives on the street, unless you have a dedicated track car, it's something that you're going to do far less often. Then the question becomes, can you afford to have a second vehicle purely as a toy? If you are able, then you can balance each tool to be better suited for its task; even then, from a daily driver to a "canyon" car is one thing, but from there to a purely track-driven car is another step again. But if you only have the means or space for a single mode of transportation, from a do-it-all perspective, it makes a lot more sense not to chase those 10/10ths that you'll feel 1 in a 100 times, at the detriment of your day-to-day commute, or backroad fun. Personally, I think you have to be doing pretty well to buy a new car whatsoever, let alone one that isn't primarily used to take you from A to B. The thing about the new car buying experience is that age and mileage factor into the driving dynamics infinitely more than the depreciation does. Would I have twice as much fun in a 50k AUD GR86 compared to a 25k NC MX-5? Arguable. But everyone has different tastes, different tolerances for the trial and error of modifying, different expectations of performance. I think people will generally be more satisfied just doing and driving what brings them joy, without feeling they're missing out by being a handful of seconds slower around their local track, or from 0-60, or whatever other meaningless metric we use to determine the value of automotive enjoyment.

I’ve been a fan of your content for over a year, but this is hands down one of the best utility pieces for enthusiast drivers. The wealth of information on setting up a car is worth far more than the alimony associated with getting up to speed in the 4 wheel cargo area.

Absolutely wild to see the times. Dampers, brakes, fluids and this is car neck and neck with Nissan Z and Supra.

99 manual 911 cab driver here: BRZ thus confirmed yet again as serious contender if one had to have just one car, as that back seat, like 911, is helpful. Track or autocross 1x/yr at best vs 6x canyon runs vs 200x/yr daily during non traffic. Thx fellas. GSF acquired per this channel and endorsements by other YT experts

Thanks for all the information you provide. As an owner of a gr86 your vidéo really help me to plan how i will mod and maintain my car! Have a great day :)

If there was ever a car review channel deserving a million followers, this is the one.

Between this video and Jack’s coverage of the Artura, I’m picking up on the fact that ‘GODSEND’ is one of Jack’s favorite words. Count is currently at 3.

This video is so informative for gr86 owners. I like the conclusion for the mods in street use.

This video could not have come at a more perfect time for me. Thank you!

glad you guys are working with CSG. They’ve helped me so much on my turbo brz setup. They truly are the most knowledgeable when it comes it this platform

Need more of this. I would love if you could compare more older cars vs newer on track.

I was so eager for this, I love it!! I've got a GR86 this year and i'm planning to track the heck out of it. I'm running 0w20 in Canada, so most if the time it's relatively cold (15-20 celsius early in the tracking season). Will do more reasearch but might go for something thicker for the summer

Thanks for the update on your ownership.

I think the bigger picture with this car, is that you can go so many different directions with it. So, you can keep it stock: make it a track car, a drift car, or even a drag car depending on how you want to set it up. The entry level price for a small rwd manual car is the key. I think that's its best selling point.

You made it into a fun car on track, and it was already fun on street. Like Mark said we start chasing the car to make it the perfect set up, we spend money on these things because we love driving. I wouldn’t say it’s a waste of money, it’s your love for the car. I’ll always modify cars, maybe not as heavy as others. Great job, I hope you keep it for another year, or IF you want to trade it in for the GR Corolla go for it Jack.

A lot of great info in here. Great job on this.

Fun run: IL RT113 between Braidwood and Kankakee. Approximately 80 of the stretch follows the river. A wonderful road to risk a ticket. I used to drive it all the time and enjoyed the mix of tight series of curves, sweepers, and straights with visibility. There are deer everywhere in Illinois, so having a trustworthy co-driver concentrating on wildlife will only add to driver enjoyment. Trade roles for the return run.

100% agree. I bought a 22' in Jan and immediately did Falken RT660 tires, Ferodo DS1.11 pads, crash bolts for neg front camber, and 5w-30 oil and track brake fluid and had a blast doing 4 track events over the summer. Great car, but dumping another $7k into it with BBK, Coilovers, etc. was tempting but ultimately I decided against it and glad I did (and surprised this video confirmed I am not alone in my thinking). Great content as always. BTW sold my GR to Carvana for $5k profit and just bought a faster car (C8)

Most comprehensive long-term evaluation of the GR86 thus far and such a great resource for people still on the fence, or folks saving up to buy one. I also appreciate Mark's contrasting critical stance on modification and what it means for daily use or street ability, and the recap on PPF. If it were my money, I'd leave the car mostly stock, just with better heat capacity for the braking system and perhaps tires more appropriate for use. Thanks, gentlemen.

That on track footage was awesome. So precise and hitting every corner perfectly!

Agreed completely on talking points about the S2000. :)

One thing that wasn't mentioned: the ND Miata. You put these same parts into into an inarguably more advanced chasis and you'll have the sports car to rule them all. No it won't set any track records and no it is not practical in any way, but if you just want a sports car as a 2nd or 3rd car you seriously can't beat it.

Would've been interesting to see how the undercoatings and coatings on suspension components and subframe have held up with the salt over the ownership so far.

Looks fantastic. Perfect track stance and it's quick. Gosh I need to pick one up

Thanks for all the great videos over 2022 and all the best for 2023 guys, much appreciated. One car you don’t seem to have ever reviewed is the Lotus Elise 2005-2010 either NA or with SC. These were pretty popular in the US and is clearly very raw and focused. It is an alternative to the GR86 or S2000.

Great video - love the honesty! While this video is obviously specific to the GR86, so much of it applies to cars in general. Modifications typically look great on paper and often they help on-track, but you have to realistically consider the on-street consequences. Also a great point about the long-term maintenance requirements of things like big brake kits and coil-overs. As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realize that the design engineers typically get most of this right and there’s only a small handful of places to improve a modern performance car without substantial downsides on the street.

“You can do the same shit on the stock car.” 😂 that’s good to know since I’m really tight on cash right now by just paying for one of these cars.

Really thanks for your review and information 👍

thanks for the great video's and merry christmas to both of you guys,,,,looking forward to 2023

Beautiful sports color.

Love this!! Seriously considering daily one of these and good to know this stuff!

Great video! This is how a lot of us imagine working with these price range of vehicles.

Jack is a godsend.

Personally, fuel consumption isn't a big deal when driving a sports car, but with MPG like that it better be significantly faster than the ND2.

Wonderful vid. Not just a track battle vid, but really looking at the car as a daily that does weekend track duty, and where to find the balance between. I like that the lap times justify the high priced mods - but that Mark, a track junkie, bemoaned how those mods were like to live on the street.

As someone in the Chicagoland area looking at getting one of these, these videos have been super helpful. I'm only going to use it on the street, so I would leave it stock and just get snow tires for winter. Seems I don't have to worry much about the reliability/oil

I have loved this car from the FRS days. I purchased a 2013 Brz that I loved right up until the valve spring broke at 52k miles. Subaru told me to pound sand. Then after I sold my Brz. They recalled them for wait for it. Valve springs. At 52k my otherwise immaculate Brz undercarriage had far more rust than my 12 year old Jeep. The car in this video is starting to rust. I had a 2000 Outback that went through 3 head gaskets in 210 k miles. Subaru stated there were no problems with the car. I had an 1995 5 speed wagon ( I loved that car). That refused to start one morning. It then caught fire and burned to the ground. I also new 4 other people that had their Subaru wagons burn to the Ground. Only the wagons? The Subaru dealer network for the most part has been excellent up until about 2010 or so something changed. Overall my dealer experience has been excellent. That is why I picked the Brz over the FRS. My Toyota dealer experience has been horrible. Subaru is dead to me. The 86 has a crappy Subaru Engine. The driving dynamics of the car especially with track or high performance tires . Was a blast to drive.

Daily drove an s2000 for 11 years. Great car but it was the ultimate blue balls machine. By the time you hit the sweet spot, you were already going too fast.

Super informative, thank you !

I am running same exact suspension set up for my GR! Raceseng front plates Ohlins DFV Gen 1 5/5kg springs. Then I went to 7/7kg spring and it feels way better!

While I appreciate the discussion of and comparisons to, the S2000, I am personally more interested in how the driving and ownership experience compares to the current crop of track cars that you can daily.

amazing content as always! i also feel like an S1 or S2 elise should definitely be in the best 4 cylinder sports car discussion too, they’re magic

I think it’s a blessing you guys are around chicago land. Now i know where to go for wraps lol

I was seriously considering buying a set of Ohlins once they released, but Mark has convinced me out of it. I remember the headache of dealing with coilovers before, and it's not something I want to deal with again. New wheels and tires will suffice for my modifications.

I would love to see Jack replace this GR86 for a Toyota Corolla GR. The Corolla GR hatch has 300 hp and AWD.

1st row for this 1. Dying to know what a real enthusiast is doing to and with a real enthusiast car!

I got my GR86 Premium (auto) exactly a month ago. I love it so far, I also live in the Chicagoland area and I bought a full set of wheels for winter and it's been a great driving experience. No problems yet.

Great insight into the ownership perspective of these cars. There's a notion by some that these cars are ready to track hard without any thought, and that simply isn't the case. They do take some work (thicker oil, camber bolts maxed in front, at least checking the RTV etc.) in order to not be a mess. That's fine if people realize that's the case, and alternatively there are cars you can take from the showroom floor and beat the s*^t out of all day on-track without mods (Elantra N).

This channel honesty its what makes it great,its detailed reviewa,no sponsor unicorn life 💩

Glad you had mostly positive things to say. I'd say this is one of the best sports car for someone that wishes to learn. Since it doesn't have a lot of power. It's a great platform to learn with. Anyone have any other suggestions on platforms to learn with?

It would be great if you had an RX8 to see if the rumors about a GREAT track car is valid! Amazing videos and also amazing reviews!!! Well done 👍!!!!

Question. For somene who is trying to find the fun weekend car that they want to keep for a long time, are the CTR/Golf R/supra/cayman worth the delta over the GR86/MX-5? I'm trying to sell my MK7.5 GTI to by a car that will hopefully be the car that I can enjoy long after regulations make these cars impossible to produce but obviously there's diminishing returns when I start eying higher end cars. Thank you for the great content you put out.

RTV stuck in the oil pickup is amateur hour, but with a 30K+ car from two well-known Japanese brands. One of the thing they teach apprentices resealing oil pans or timing covers is never to use too much RTV for this very reason. This could definitely cause oil starvation if it gets severe enough.

I followed this build w/ my BRZ but on a slightly tighter budget. Same wheels but went with RE-71 RS , Cusco Street Zero A, Whiteline LCAs & F/R endlinks. -1.5F / -1.9R . Stock pads for now (will upgrade soon), I only do canyons & autocross & Feels amazing~

Production quality is so good

Makes me enjoy my 2008 S2000 even more…..when new cars are compared to a 15 year old car

Jack, in the Street Drive segment, you mention the series didn't pan out like you planned. What did you mean? Thank you for this great series.

I daily drive and track with Willwood 6 pot fronts and 4 pot rears. By far the best upgrade I've done. Unlike what's stated in the video, I don't suffer from any brake squeal, just a lot more brake dust. Absolutely no problem running them daily as even before warming up, it will still out brake almost anything else on the street.

Holy crap that guy is FAST! I know he's an accredited driver and all but the actual clips of him driving are INSANE!

My dream of dreams is to get a blue BRZ and have it armored up by Chicago Auto Pros.

22MPG. OUCH. Crazy that the Supra gets way more.

Good video. I followed your original series with your BRZ modifications about a decade ago, and made many of the same modifications to my BRZ. Brakes, tires, supercharger, etc.. They all made it faster on the track (laps dropped from about 1:39 to 1:32 on my local track in Portland), but the resulting vehicle was not a good daily at all. Weird noises, less than ideal throttle responses, etc.. In hindsight I should have put the $15K I spent on mods into the stock market. And of course, as we all know, when it came time to sell the car I not only lost the money I spent, but the car sold for less than an un-modded car. I knew that going in, but the point is you are literally pissing that money away.

Glad my ND2 Cup car does not have any issues.

Jack: what do you think about the mods Mark: big waste of money lmao

Correcting the factory RTV issues seems like such a no brainer for anyone with this engine. Drop the pan, clean the pickup, reinstall pan properly. Why wouldn't you? There shouldn't be anything stuck in the pickup screen like that, especially on a brand new engine.

Very good perspective as usual! I love my ND, no need to mess with it lol

Great video thanks

So in conclusion Miata is still the answer.

17:45 Mark hit the nail right on the head. The engine continues to be the part of this car that lets it down. It does its job, but there's no character to it. There's just a ton of rattles and grinding noises. No wonder toyota is toying with the idea of putting the GR Corolla engine in this.

Happy Holidays!

Mark kept it real AF. “This sucks…” 😂 Soul crushing to Jack tho, dang …

I mean, this is stating the obvious, but those mpg numbers are shocking from a 4-cylinder engine in a car that weighs less than 3000 lbs, in 2022. How have they even managed to do that?

I've been averaging around 26 mpg on mine, dailying it on a mix of suburban streets and freeways in the Midwest. Absolutely love it so far, I don't think you can get a more connected, raw experience under $50k on a new car while still being able to use it as a reasonably practical daily. The Miata is a touch more fun at normal speeds because of the lighter weight and open top, but it feels sketchier at the limit while the 86/BRZ feel friendlier/more progressive and more intuitive through the chassis. The Miata definitely has much better throttle calibration, and better gearshift quality (although 86 gearshift is still great), but I think the 86 steering has more feedback and feel.

long videos are amazing

I love the way these look.

Thanks for being honest , expensive mods are not really worth it most of the time. But if you have the money at 40k price point I would rather get slightly used corvette for sure.

Good to see you guys using proper quality parts and information for your build (unlike Donut media)